Baking With Kids

When I was a child, I knew I loved cooking and always helped in the kitchen. It was something I did with my mom, aunt, and grandma. And I believe that was the beginning of the journey I am on now. Now I involve my son in the kitchen whenever I can. At a young age, he was curious about ingredients and how they come together, and he always asked how I made his food. He discovered world cuisines when he was three years old and has been fascinated with trying new dishes ever since. Although he started as a picky-eater, now he’s eager to try everything new. So whenever I have the opportunity, I will ask him to help with cooking, make his breakfast, or even bake a friend’s birthday cake as he did here.

Baking with kids doesn’t have to be hectic or stressful. You want it to be an enjoyable experience for you and your kids, even if they are of different ages and abilities. Here are my tips for baking with kids and what to bake with them.

Start with an easy recipe that will come together nicely and yield good results. Choose a simple recipe with few ingredients like cookies, cupcakes, or Rice Krispie treats.
Prepare your ingredients. Set all your ingredients on the kitchen counter, and bonus points if you measure them too. That way, your child only has to pour them into the mixture, which gives them confidence that they can cook themselves.
Prepare yourself for making a mess. A few spills and mistakes are only natural, so don’t get upset or show signs of frustration when things go wrong.
Don’t aim for perfection in look or taste; it’s ok if cookies are not perfectly round or your cupcakes are not beautifully decorated. They will have a sense of pride in what they created.

Here are six easy recipes to make with kids: